It is a rare defensive performance when a team holds a state-ranked opponent to 125 yards of total offense.

It's even rarer when a team loses that game.

The West Ottawa defense played better than any time I have seen them in almost a decade of covering them.

The defense deserved to win Friday night's game against Rockford, but in the end, it was Rockford that came away with a 20-13 win to spoil the Panthers' homecoming after a couple of big plays on special teams and a costly turnover.

"That is the heart and soul of our team. That is what I expected out of our defense," West Ottawa coach Rory Zegunis said. "They played fantastic. They are going to lead us."

Michigan linebacker and former West Ottawa star Desmond Morgan was in the house, and impressed by the defense.

"They are playing pretty stout," Morgan said during the game.

West Ottawa's defensive front gave the Rams no quarter, notching 12 tackles for a loss and allowing just 54 yards in the first half.

In fact, the Panthers, ranked No. 10 in Division 1, only allowed two plays of more than 15 yards — and they were both less than 20.